SECHELT – New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons is welcoming $345,000 in funding for nine not-for-profit organizations in Powell River, Madeira Park, Gibsons, and Sechelt. The organizations, which offer public safety and environmental programs and services, are receiving the funds through the Community Gaming Grants program.
“People show us what they care about by giving their time and effort to important causes,” said Simons, the MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “I know that this funding will help them continue their important work.”
The recipients of the community grant funding are the Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society, the Wild Ocean Whale Society, the Gibsons Marine Rescue Society, the Pender Harbour & District Marine Rescue Society, the Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society, the Sunshine Coast Marine Rescue Society, the Sunshine Coast Salmonid Enhancement Society, the Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue Association, and the Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast.
“Search and rescue, protecting wildlife and their habitats, and promoting healing between offenders and victims are some of the small things that add up to big things,” said Simons. “It’s our neighbours, friends and family in organizations like these that make up our caring society.”
Across the province, over 145 public safety-related organizations are receiving more than $6.5 million this year. Through public safety programs, these groups provide emergency and lifesaving services including search and rescue activities, volunteer fire departments, emergency preparedness, community and restorative justice, and more.
Approximately 120 organizations in the environment sector are receiving $3.8 million across the province, providing people with opportunities to learn about and connect with nature, conducting wildlife rehabilitation programs and shelters for animals, helping us adapt to climate change, supporting local food systems, and more.
The Community Gaming Grants program provides up to $140 million to about 5,000 not-for-profit organizations in British Columbia each year.
For more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019MAH0010-000120